10 tips for a winning hackathon pitch
TRANSCRIPT
10Ken Tabor, @KenTabor
Tips Winning
for a
Hackathon Pitch
Have working code loaded. Disable sleep mode and screen saver. Get hardware on
Wi-Fi if needed. Swap wallpaper for a solid color. Sweep away distracting icons.
#1: Setup
Choose roles before presenting. 1 demo driver. 1 speaker. It’s too hard to speak and demo at the same time. Remaining
team are supportive extras.
#2: Play Your Role
Write down 3 key talking points. Serves as a loose outline. Don’t script - it sounds
mechanical. Deliver your message authentically. Small paper notes are fine.
#3: Speaker
Keep on the happy path. Straying from it means potential disaster. When
something goes wrong don’t freak out. Just recover gracefully.
#4: Demo Driver
Nod to support the speaker. Engage the crowd with eye contact (don’t be creepy.)
Show your excitement. Be prepared to answer judge’s questions.
#5: Supportive Extras
#6: Practice
Speaker and demo driver pitch out loud. Talk like it’s for real. At least 5 times to become comfortable. Give each other
useful feedback. Reveal annoyances.
#7: Relax
After set up and practice take time to chill out. Hackathons are emotionally and physically stressful. Meditate. Power nap.
Listen to music. High five each other.
Are human beings who respond to stories. Might not be technical. Want to
be sold. Are curious about the future. Will ask questions.
#8: Judges
Smile. Be confident. Vary your speech. Delete “um”, “uh” fillers. Pause silently instead. Stand straight. Keep hands out of pockets. It’s a skill you can practice.
#9: Speaking
Believe that we want to understand your work. Take us on a journey. Deliver value into our lives. Inspire and inform us. Show
your passion. Build community.
#10: Audience
Remember great success is still yours for the taking. Define what it will be. Meet
future colleagues. Learn something new. Finish what you started.
Only 1 Team Wins Today
I can’t wait to hear of your success. Share your story!
Ken Tabor, @KenTabor
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